(Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Ciaran Morrison

Thu 9 October 2025 15:47, UK

Arne Slot has suffered his first blow during the international window after developments emerged surrounding midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Mac Allister has started all but one game for Liverpool in the Premier League this season as the Reds look to defend their title.

Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea means Slot’s side currently lie second in the table following Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over West Ham which took the Gunners above the Reds by a point.

Following three successive defeats in all competitions, the international break may have come at a good time for Slot, before Liverpool face rivals Man United at Anfield.

Alexis Mac Allister could miss Man United clash

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is injured alongside defender Giovanni Leoni and Slot may also be missing Mac Allister against Man United.

As per the Daily Mirror [9 October], Mac Allister could return to Merseyside later than expected after the international break.

Argentina’s friendly match against Puerto Rico looks set to be postponed by a day, as the game will be played in Florida instead of Chicago in America.

Mac Allister will have a shorter period of recovery than his team mates, meaning Slot may not be able to rely on the 26-year-old for such a big game.

Who could replace Mac Allister in midfield?

From Slot’s starting XI at Chelsea, the most simple change for the Dutchman, if Mac Allister wasn’t available, would be to bring in Florian Wirtz into the number 10 role.

Curtis Jones would be another contender pushing to start in Mac Allister’s potential absence, and due to Wirtz’s poor form to start his Liverpool career.

Mac Allister though has also not started the season in excellent fashion, with the Argentine expected to exceed to the five goals and five assists he grabbed last campaign.

Even so, Mac Allister would be a miss for his box-to-box style either from the start or off the bench against Man United.